By In a shocking incident, acting legend Sir Ian McKellen, 85, has been rushed to the hospital after falling off the stage during a West End performance in London. The accident occurred during a fight scene in the play Player Kings at the Noël Coward Theatre, where McKellen lost his balance and tumbled off the front of the stage.
As the house lights came up, the actor, best known for his roles as Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings franchise and Magneto in X-Men, cried out in pain as ushers rushed to his aid. Audience members, some left in tears, described the sounds as “bone-chilling,” with McKellen reportedly screaming, “Help me!”
The extent of McKellen’s injuries is not yet known, but at least three London ambulances were pictured outside the theatre. The audience was evacuated from the venue while medics attended to the actor, and ticket holders were informed that the evening show had been cancelled.
Paul Critchley, a Methodist minister from Downham Market, Norfolk, who witnessed the incident, said, “Sir Ian seemed to trip as he moved downstage to take a more active part in the scene. He picked up momentum as he moved downstage which resulted in him falling off the stage directly in front of the audience.”
Social media was flooded with messages from shocked audience members expressing their concern for McKellen and wishing him a speedy recovery. One tweeted, “Just witnessed an awful accident with Sir Ian McKellen tripping off the stage in London. He seems badly hurt. We are all in shock and tears.”
Player Kings, which started its 12-week West End run in April, is a production of Henry IV, Parts One and Two. McKellen plays the role of John Falstaff in the play, which he initially seemed reluctant to take on until persuaded by director Robert Icke.
Sir Ian McKellen, born in Burnley, Lancashire, in 1939, has had an illustrious career spanning six decades. He has been nominated for 12 Olivier Awards, winning six, and has received numerous accolades for his contributions to theatre and equality, including a knighthood in 1991 and a Companion of Honour in 2008.
The acting community and fans worldwide are anxiously awaiting updates on McKellen’s condition and hoping for his swift recovery. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks performers face on stage and the dedication they bring to their craft, even in their later years.
Sir Ian McKellen’s representatives and the London Ambulance Service have been approached for comment regarding the accident and the actor’s current condition.
Credit: Dailymail
